Renting a car in Japan as a tourist: licence rules, booking and changes
Short answer: to drive in Japan on a short trip you need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or — only for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan — your own licence plus an official Japanese translation. Either is valid for one year from the day you arrive (National Police Agency). The big rental chains have English booking pages. Local agencies, changes after booking and calls once you have the car are often Japanese only; YOROZU makes those calls for you, ¥1,500 per call.
Which licence documents Japan accepts
| Your licence | What you need to drive in Japan |
|---|---|
| Most countries that issue 1949 Geneva Convention permits | Your licence and a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit. Check the permit says 1949 on the cover. |
| Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan | Your licence and an official Japanese translation — for Taiwan from the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, or from JAF, ZIP PLUS or the the Hōnichi Untensha Shien Kyōkai (訪日運転者支援協会). |
| Mainland China | Not on either list. A mainland Chinese licence cannot be used on its own. |
Rental counters check these documents before handing over the keys, and they will refuse the rental if anything is missing. If you hold a Hong Kong licence or any licence not mentioned here, confirm with the National Police Agency or the rental company before you book.
Booking: when English works and when it doesn't
The large chains let you book online in English, and for a simple pick-up and drop-off at an airport or a big station that is usually enough. A phone call in Japanese tends to be needed for:
- small local agencies on islands and in the countryside, which often take bookings only by phone
- changing the date, the car class or the pick-up time after you have booked
- extending the rental while you are on the road, or returning late
- one-way returns to a different office, and the drop-off fee
- child seats (required by law for children under six), snow tyres and extra drivers
If something goes wrong on the road
After any accident, however small, call the police on 110 — the rental company's insurance usually depends on a police report — and then the rental company's number on your contract. For a breakdown, call the rental company. These calls are in Japanese. We can join as a live interpreter on a three-way call (¥1,500 per session).
What to ask before you book
- What documents the counter will check, in your case
- Whether the price includes insurance and the non-operation charge (NOC) cover
- Whether you can rent an ETC card for toll roads
- The office's hours, so you do not arrive to a closed counter
Want us to call the rental company?
Send us the company or the area, your dates and what you need. A person in Tokyo calls in Japanese and reports back.
Ask us — free to ask¥1,500 per call · You pay the rental company directly for the car · Replies 9:00–18:00 Japan time; outside those hours replies may take longer
Frequently asked
Can I drive in Japan with just my home driving licence?
Usually not. Japan accepts an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Only licences from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan can be used with an official Japanese translation instead. Check the National Police Agency page before you travel.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Japan?
For one year from the date you land in Japan, or until the permit or your licence expires, whichever comes first (National Police Agency).
Can I drive in Japan with a mainland Chinese driving licence?
A mainland Chinese licence is not on either of the lists the National Police Agency accepts for short-term visitors — the 1949 Geneva Convention permit route or the Japanese-translation route — so it cannot be used on its own. Check with the agency or the rental company before booking.
Do children need a car seat in a Japanese rental car?
Yes. Japanese law requires a child seat for children under six. Rental companies rent them, but stock can run out, so ask for one when you book.
Can YOROZU book or change a rental car for me?
Yes. We call the rental company in Japanese to book, change, extend or ask about one-way returns, child seats and extra drivers. It costs ¥1,500 per call. You pay the rental company directly for the car.